DaPonte and DaSilva go head to head in high-profile Senate race

The marquee race of the primary season in the state Senate contest between Senate Finance Chairman Daniel DaPonte, who faces a challenge from fellow Democrat, state Representative Roberto DaSilva. If you want a sense of the candidates and their stances, check out WPRI/WNAC-TV’s Newsmakers this weekend (including a special 6:30 pm Saturday broadcast on WNAC).

Despite some evidence to the contrary, both men denied their clash is part of a Democratic split in East Providence politics.

One of their sharpest splits came in discussing the higher car taxes being paid by Rhode Islanders. DaPonte said the state simply couldn’t afford to continue the phase-out of the car tax. DaSilva said the money should come instead from hiking takes on people who earn more than $250,000.

On same-sex marriage, DaPonte said he would support “a form of it.” DaSilva said he would back it “with proper protections.”

Other questions from Tim White, Ted Nesi and myself centered on 38 Studios, the state pension overhaul, and how long lawmakers should remain in the General Assembly.